Ronald Franz - Affected most by his time spent with Chris. He was 80 years old when they met in 1992. He picked up Chris while hitchiking. He was a devout Christian, and was also in the army. His wife and son were killed by a drunk driver, after this he became an alcoholic. He tried to convince Chris to do something with his life. He taught Chris how to work with leather, Chris produced a remarkable belt, in which he etched pictures descriping his life. Ron gave Chris a machete, an arctic parka, and a fishing pole. He became so attached to Chris that he asked if he could adopt him, but Chris avoided the question. Chris convinced Ron to change the way he lived, and Ron took his advice. When Ron found out that Chris died, he started drinking again. He also becomes Athiest after Chris dies.
Gene Rosselini – Comes from a wealthy family. He sets out on a pursuit of knowledge. He doesn’t get his degree because he doesn’t believe it is necessary to do so. He tried to survive without the use of modern technology, using tools that go back to the Stone Age. He ends up killing himself due to all of the frustration he is going through.
Carl McCunn – Set out to take pictures of wildlife in Alaska. He is well prepared for his expedition into the wild, however he doesn’t plan a way to get out. He assumes that one of the girls he fantasizes about will come save him and have a romantic relationship with him. He ends up killing himself with his rifle.
Jon Waterman – Does not have a good relationship with his dad. He does not have strong morals. When he ran for school board, he promoted unrestricted sex, and the use of hallucinogenic drugs. He ends up committing himself to a psychiatric institute.
Everett Ruess – He was seeking to be alone. He set out on his first trek at the age of sixteen. He is most like Chris out of the other characters met in this section. He changes his name several times, like how Chris changed his name to Alexander Supertramp. People do not know what Everett’s fate was, however there is speculation that he drowned. He almost enjoyed the pain in which he endured during his journey. Everett and Chris both share a love of the wild.
Gene Rosselini – Comes from a wealthy family. He sets out on a pursuit of knowledge. He doesn’t get his degree because he doesn’t believe it is necessary to do so. He tried to survive without the use of modern technology, using tools that go back to the Stone Age. He ends up killing himself due to all of the frustration he is going through.
Carl McCunn – Set out to take pictures of wildlife in Alaska. He is well prepared for his expedition into the wild, however he doesn’t plan a way to get out. He assumes that one of the girls he fantasizes about will come save him and have a romantic relationship with him. He ends up killing himself with his rifle.
Jon Waterman – Does not have a good relationship with his dad. He does not have strong morals. When he ran for school board, he promoted unrestricted sex, and the use of hallucinogenic drugs. He ends up committing himself to a psychiatric institute.
Everett Ruess – He was seeking to be alone. He set out on his first trek at the age of sixteen. He is most like Chris out of the other characters met in this section. He changes his name several times, like how Chris changed his name to Alexander Supertramp. People do not know what Everett’s fate was, however there is speculation that he drowned. He almost enjoyed the pain in which he endured during his journey. Everett and Chris both share a love of the wild.
-Alex Berarducci